Quick post today to let you in on some breaking news: I am officially addicted to Trader Joe’s frozen Vegetable Masala burger. How do I know it’s official? I bought a 4-pack on Saturday and they were all gone by Monday. The count: One for Andy in between soccer games on Sunday; one for me for a quick work-from-home vegetarian lunch on Monday; one for Phoebe’s afterschool snack a few hours later; and one last night, for a standing-at-the-counter dinner after coming home late from Luisa’s panel with Deb and Amanda. (Can you say Dream Team?) I bought a pack on a whim a few weeks ago after tasting a sample — I’m such a sucker for those samples — expecting the usual over-spiced, mysteriously textured veggie burger. Instead, I couldn’t believe how subtle and natural the flavor was — and how small (and recognizable) the ingredient list was. Did you guys know about these? And if so, pray tell, WHY didn’t you enlighten?
I like to eat my Masala burger in a pita topped with a mixture of plain yogurt and coriander chutney (Swad brand, found at any Indian grocer).
Related: Mastering the Weekly Shop; My Trader Joe’s Hit List; Packaged Dinners You Can Feel Good About
those are SOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOD. i used to go to trader joe’s every week, and now i live like a thousand miles from the closest one. i’ve recently found sunshine burgers at the local market and those are a close second to these!
Ooh, I forgot about those! Yes, so good! I could never quite figure out the best way to serve them though (ketchup and a hamburger bun didn’t quite cut it), but I love your idea.
Yes, and if you can’t find the coriander chutney, you can just use fresh cilantro and maybe mix a little cumin, salt, and pepper into the yogurt. So good.
Every time I see a vegetable burger, I think of the football commercial that’s out right now; ‘Is that a loofah?’ But, to find one that is tender, tasty and healthy? Now that’s too cool. I need to check these out.
So funny…I just bought these yesterday on a whim. Can’t wait for lunch now!
Woohoo! I’m always looking for new Trader Joes ‘must haves.’ Thanks for the tip!
I eat mine on toasted nan with mango chutney–YUM!
An aside: I was already so disappointed to miss the panel at NYU last night, now to learn that you were there as well. :(Boo hoo.
We’re addicted to their regular veggie burgers, haven’t tried these yet but I’ll throw them in the cart next time I’m at the market!
What is on the ingredients list? I’m curious to see if they could be recreated at home…
Oh man! I cant’ believe I hadn’t tried these! I must have missed that sample day @ TJ’s. I am a sucker for those samples too, I always end up buying the item that they sample! 🙂 Going to pick these up tonight! Thanks for a great find!
Those are a staple in our house as well. Even the toddler loved them from a young age. I will have to try them your way, thanks for the idea.
The veggie breakfast sausages are always on my shopping list — these look pretty great, too.
Agree! Great quick meal! I haven’t bought these in a while so thanks for the reminder! You might enjoy this post; it’s a review with lots of suggestions in the comments with different ways to prepare them: http://www.whatsgoodattraderjoes.com/2012/05/trader-joes-vegetable-masala-burgers.html
Will have to add these!
The shumai are a guaranteed dinner for both of our small humans. Amazing.
TRY the chocolate croissants, the frozen ones you leave on the counter overnight. Bake in the morning and it’s not Paris but it will do.
It was so nice to meet you last night at the panel. Thank you, again, for posting about it – I would never have known to go!
i’m obsessed with those! i always top each bits with a good forkful of greek yogurt.
oh and: http://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2013/10/nutella-stuffed-pumpkin-french-toast.html
WHAT???????? How did I NOT KNOW about these??? Going asap, going today!
In other TJ news, have you tried the Blondie mix? I resisted for a long time, thought it was would be dry and blah. they are AMAZING, you must must try.
TJ’s 4-EVER!
Have you tried the Dr. Praeger’s California Veggie Burger? TJ’s sells them also. They don’t taste/feel like a veggie burger…but like real food. I like them on a roll or english muffin with hummus and red onion.
I am right there with you on those burgers! I sometimes will have them on a potato roll, but as good as that is, it feels kind of wrong. I’ve actually taken to eating them with no bread or accompaniment at all. Finger-food style. I am so glad to have your serving suggestion – I never thought of pitas. Now I can’t wait for my next trip to TJs!
You were at the Luisa/Deb/Amanda event, too? Man, that’s like four of my favorite food bloggers in a room together. How lovely.
These are also killer with a fried egg on top–one of my favorite lunches!
Oh yea, these are the best. We enjoy them on a multi grain bun with raw red onion, tomato, cilantro sprigs and mayo. Heaven on a bun!
Try them with a fried egg on top! Delicious 🙂
The vegetable masala burgers are my absolute favorite! Add a little avocado, lettuce and tomato and I’m a very happy camper.
This looks very yummy. We JUST got a Trader Joe’s here in Austin too….I hope they have it! I would really like a Pekora burger, but the prep time for that is re-DONKulous! Hopefully I can snag these when the Trader Joe’s opens up!